Hitachi becomes premiumPARTNER of Fortuna Düsseldorf

Infront seals extensive partnership agreement with the biggest Japanese electronics company for the upcoming Bundesliga season

10 August 2012

Düsseldorf, Germany - The electronics company Hitachi has become exclusive premiumPARTNER of Fortuna Düsseldorf. The contract was signed with Infront Sports & Media, marketing partner to the promoted team, and runs for three years. The partnership was announced today at a press conference. Tomorrow, at Fortuna’s preparation game against the reigning Portuguese cup winners and vice champions S.L. Benfica, Hitachi will be visibly present for the first time in the ESPRIT arena.

As a premiumPARTNER, Hitachi is entering directly into the second highest level of sponsorship at Fortuna Düsseldorf and will benefit from an extensive brand presence around the club. The package brokered by Infront provides attractive advertising space in the ESPRIT arena, including rotating and static boards in camera view. In addition, the company will receive promotional opportunities around the team together with a comprehensive ticket and hospitality contingent.

Akira Shimizu, Managing Director of Hitachi Europe, said, “Hitachi Europe has a strong presence in Dusseldorf and we feel an affinity towards Fortuna Düsseldorf football club, which enjoys strong support from the citizens of the city. The club is making a worthy return to the Bundesliga this season, and we have high expectations that it will breathe new life into Germany’s national sport. I look forward to sharing the club’s success with the success of Hitachi Group companies in Europe.”

Peter Frymuth, CEO of Fortuna Düsseldorf, added: “Through this partnership with Hitachi, one of the world's largest companies has been secured to stand alongside our ambitious club. The long-term commitment, stretching beyond the current season, demonstrates Hitachi’s confidence in our club and in our team. Fortuna Düsseldorf’s surge in popularity and the strong media attention surrounding the Bundesliga will help us to repay that trust. In addition, this partnership positively reflects the efforts of the club’s dedicated ‘Japan desk’ in Düsseldorf - as it is one of the biggest Japanese communities in Germany.”

Ralf Koslowski, Managing Director of Infront Germany, said: ”The Bundesliga is the platform with the widest reach for brand communication in Germany and the fans are already looking forward to Fortuna Düsseldorf's comeback in the German top tier league. With the ESPRIT arena, Düsseldorf has a state-of-the-art stadium - perfect conditions for Hitachi to build increased brand awareness in the German market. This additional high-profile sponsorship commitment once again confirms the successful development of the club and the marketing direction we are taking together.”

About Hitachi Europe Ltd.

Hitachi Europe Ltd., headquartered in Maidenhead, UK, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and its subsidiary companies offer a broad range of information & telecommunication systems; power and industrial system; rail system; digital media and consumer products; industrial components and equipment; air conditioning and refrigeration systems; manufacturing systems; and procurement and sourcing with operations throughout 12 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. And Hitachi Europe also has three Research and Development laboratories and a design centre. For more information on other Hitachi Group companies in Europe, please visit www.hitachi.eu.